Key Innovation Technologies and Practice Effect of Polymer Flooding Field Application

Abstract Chemical flooding technique is the dominating EOR technique in China. Polymer flooding has entered into industrialized applications and has been applied on a large scale in Daqing sandstone reservoir. Now polymer flooding is expanding to other reservoirs such as conglomerate reservoir, complex fault block reservoir and high temperature and high salinity reservoir. The good EOR effect achieved by polymer flooding is closely related to the key innovation technologies. Recent progress of field tests and application of polymer flooding enhanced recovery (EOR) in China was summarized in this paper. Key technical innovations and field application effects was introduced. The challenges faced and the development direction of polymer flooding technology was discussed. Polymer flooding has been applied in Daqing Oilfield from medium-high permeability reservoirs (type I reservoirs) to medium-low permeability reservoirs (type II reservoirs) with poor petrophysical properties. In addition, polymer flooding solution was prepared by dilution of produced water instead of fresh water. 13% incremental oil recovery in average has been obtained. Polymer flooding has expand apply to conglomerate reservoir in Xinjiang Oilfield, complex fault block reservoir in Dagang Oilfield and high temperature and high salinity reservoirs in Shengli Oilfield, the application results was also successful by solving bottleneck technical problems. A series of technologies have been developed for industrialization application of polymer flooding during tests and application. The key innovations are: polymer product evaluation and molecular weight optimization techniques; development of numerical simulation software and optimization of field test scheme; high efficient injection equipment and process; profile modification during polymer flooding; separated layer injection technique; separated molecular weight and pressure injection technology; anti-eccentric wear lifting technology; fracturing and injection technology; dynamic tracking and adjustment technology; produced liquid treatment technology. These innovative techniques ensure good results of polymer flooding in field applications. The key points and practical application of these technologies are illustrated with examples. Polymer flooding is the leading EOR technology for medium and high permeability reservoirs. Polymer flooding has been applied on a large scale and is being extended to more complex reservoirs. Facing new technical challenges, it is necessary to continuously strengthen the research and development of new functional polymers, research of reservoir adaptability and continuously technological innovation of supporting technology for different types of reservoir application.